address a conference on an Integrated National Action Plan to counter human
trafficking
25 March 2009
The conference seeks to assist the South African government to prevent and
provide support to victims of the crime following a report into the
Investigation on Human Trafficking which was conducted by the South Africa Law
Reform Commission in 2008. The conference will identify the key action steps in
the development process of the National Action Plan.
South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against
Transnational Organised Crime, as well as its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and
Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. The process of
translating SA's international commitments into national legislation is at an
advance stage.
The three day conference organised by the Office of the National Director of
Public Prosecutions Authority (NPA) will be held in KwaZulu-Natal after a
research by Molo Songololo identified this province as one of the notorious
entry, transit and destination points in the country due to its sea, air and
land borders.
The conference will also look at the KwaZulu-Natal action plan into human
trafficking, pornography, prostitution and brothels, whose implementation is
being supported by the Films and Publications Board and the Airports Company of
South Africa. The plan will form a model and reference point for the other
provinces, which will soon be establishing their inter-sectoral task teams this
year.
The proceedings of the conference will come to a close on Friday, 27 March
2009, with a presentation of the action steps towards a National Action Plan.
The conference will give the country an early and consultative start on this
deliverable and ensure that it is properly executed.
The conference will be officially opened by the Honourable Dr Manto
Tshabalala-Msimang in her capacity as the Minister in charge of the Offices of
the Rights of Children, Women and Gender Issues in the Presidency. Her opening
address tonight at 18h00 will look at "what the National Action Plan should
consider as a priority."
The media is invited to the Opening Address as follows:-
Time: Tonight, 18h00
Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Venue: Southern Sun Elangeni, Durban
Enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Presidency Media Officer
Cell: 083 679 7424
Advocate, Thoko Majokweni
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
Cell 084 418 0577
Nolwandle Xaba
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
Chief Co-ordinator
Cell: 084 600 4081
Issued by: The Presidency
25 March 2009
Source: SAPA
